Teleports are a critical
link in the space-terrestrial network. But
it was not so many years ago that all the news in satellite or terrestrial
communications was about the major carriers or the pioneering technology
providers. Starting earlier this decade,
WTA made it a priority to raise the profile of the teleport sector, because
greater recognition translates directly into greater opportunity for our
members. That is one of the motives
behind reports like Ka-Band and the
Teleport and market research like Sizing
the Teleport Market. It is why we
announce each year’s Top Operator rankings of the world’s largest and
fastest-growing teleport operators. And
it is the reason we honor teleport operators, executives and technology
companies at each year’s Teleport Awards for Excellence on the opening day of
SATELLITE.

So, I believe that WTA
has something to do with the higher profile accorded our industry. But when you are on a voyage, it also helps
to have the wind at your back. The
teleport sector itself has become a bigger and more active player in the market. In the past, the biggest operators of
teleports were slow-moving incumbent telcos for whom satellite services were an
afterthought. Today, they are
well-capitalized publicly-traded companies like Globecomm, RRsat or
Telecommunications Systems Inc. They are
also subsidiaries of a diverse collection of companies committed to
growth. Think of GlobeCast, Harris, and Arqiva,
of course, but also Singapore Technologies, GE and Emirates
Telecom. These companies and their
teleport units are making things happen around the world.

And as they make things
happen, the value of the WTA network is rising.
Teleport operators of every size have a growing opportunity to "punch
above their weight” by networking through WTA, contributing to research and
programs, participating in events and joining our committees. Small companies that think of themselves as
filling a narrow niche can scale up their ambitions by tying into this global network
of strategic partners and innovative technologists. Big companies are increasingly using WTA to
speak with one voice for a teleport sector that faces greater competition every
day. You can do it on your own using our
online tools or by asking our staff for help.
We can guide you to the right colleagues, the right resources and the
right connections to accomplish your goals – however large your operation,
wherever you may be in the world.